The War of the Roses

A series of dynastic wars fought in England from 1455 to 1487 between the House of Lancaster and the branch of the Plantagenet dynasty claiming descent through John of Gaunt, later known as the House of York. The conflict arose from disputes over royal succession and was exacerbated by political instability, noble rivalries, and economic hardship. The war concluded with Henry Tudor's victory at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485, leading to his coronation as King Henry VII and the marking the transition from medieval feudalism toward centralized monarchy.